U.S. patent number 9,032,454 [Application Number 11/541,918] was granted by the patent office on 2015-05-12 for system and method of providing interactive content.
This patent grant is currently assigned to AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. The grantee listed for this patent is John Hugh Kirby, Jr., John McClenny, Michael Thomas Raftelis. Invention is credited to John Hugh Kirby, Jr., John McClenny, Michael Thomas Raftelis.
United States Patent |
9,032,454 |
Raftelis , et al. |
May 12, 2015 |
System and method of providing interactive content
Abstract
In a particular embodiment, a method includes receiving a
request for interactive content at a mediation device, the request
sent from a set-top box device via a secure network. The method
also includes receiving the interactive content at the mediation
device from at least one content provider via an unsecured network.
The method also includes removing at least one unapproved element
from the interactive content. The method also includes sending the
interactive content to the set-top box device via a video
head-end.
Inventors: |
Raftelis; Michael Thomas (San
Antonio, TX), McClenny; John (San Antonio, TX), Kirby,
Jr.; John Hugh (San Antonio, TX) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Raftelis; Michael Thomas
McClenny; John
Kirby, Jr.; John Hugh |
San Antonio
San Antonio
San Antonio |
TX
TX
TX |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AT&T Intellectual Property I,
L.P. (Atlanta, GA)
|
Family
ID: |
39327043 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/541,918 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2006 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20080092176 A1 |
Apr 17, 2008 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
725/86 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N
21/47202 (20130101); H04N 21/818 (20130101); H04N
21/44008 (20130101); H04N 21/4542 (20130101); H04N
7/17318 (20130101); H04N 21/6582 (20130101); H04N
21/44209 (20130101); H04N 21/64322 (20130101); H04N
21/6581 (20130101); H04N 21/4722 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04N
7/173 (20110101); H04N 21/442 (20110101); H04N
21/454 (20110101); H04N 21/44 (20110101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Flynn; Nathan
Assistant Examiner: Parra; Omar S
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Toler Law Group, PC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of providing interactive content, the method
comprising: receiving a request for an interactive content stream
at a mediation device, the request sent from a media device via a
secure network; receiving the interactive content stream at the
mediation device from a content provider via an unsecured network,
wherein the interactive content stream includes a first interactive
content element and a second interactive content element;
determining, at the mediation device, whether the first interactive
content element is to be delivered at a bandwidth that exceeds a
threshold; and when the first interactive content element is to be
delivered at the bandwidth that exceeds the threshold, removing the
first interactive content element from the interactive content
stream at the mediation device to produce a filtered interactive
content stream to be sent to the media device via a video head-end,
wherein the filtered interactive content stream includes the second
interactive content element.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the secure network includes a
private television access network, wherein video content received
at the video head-end via a private television video distribution
network is merged with the filtered interactive content stream into
a single stream of data packets at the video head-end, and wherein
the single stream of data packets is sent from the video head-end
to the media device via the private television access network.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the video head-end receives the
video content from a super video head-end.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the filtered interactive content
stream is displayed at a display device associated with the media
device in conjunction with the video content.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the unsecured network is
designated as unsecured by a user associated with the media device,
by an administrator, or any combination thereof.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the mediation device includes a
perimeter device, an edge device, or any combination thereof,
coupled to the video head-end.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining, at the
mediation device, whether the interactive content stream is
associated with a particular category, wherein the particular
category includes a particular protocol, a particular type of
session, a data error, or any combination thereof; and when the
interactive content stream is not to be transmitted to the media
device at the bandwidth that exceeds the threshold and is not
associated with the particular category, sending the interactive
content stream to the media device via the video head-end.
8. An interactive content mediation device, comprising: a
processor; and a memory device accessible to the processor, wherein
the memory device includes instructions executable by the processor
to perform operations including: communicating with a media device
via a private television access network to receive a request for an
interactive content stream; requesting and receiving the
interactive content stream from a content provider via an unsecured
network, wherein the interactive content stream includes a first
interactive content element and a second interactive content
element; determining whether the first interactive content element
is to be delivered at a bandwidth that exceeds a threshold; and
when the first interactive content element is to be delivered at
the bandwidth that exceeds the threshold, removing the first
interactive content element from the interactive content stream to
produce a filtered interactive content stream to be sent to the
media device via the private television access network, wherein the
filtered interactive content stream includes the second interactive
content element.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the interactive content stream is
an Internet-based content stream and wherein the unsecured network
is the Internet or a network accessible via the Internet.
10. The device of claim 8, wherein the request is received via a
residential gateway device coupled to the media device.
11. The device of claim 8, further comprising an interface coupled
to a video head-end of a television system, and wherein the
filtered interactive content stream is sent from the video head-end
of the television system to the media device via the private
television access network.
12. The device of claim 8, wherein the interactive content stream
is received from the content provider via a firewall.
13. The device of claim 8, wherein the operations further include
storing data of the filtered interactive content stream at the
memory device.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the operations further include:
communicating with the media device via the private television
access network to receive a second request for the interactive
content stream; retrieving the data of the filtered interactive
content stream stored at the memory device in response to the
second request without accessing the unsecured network; and sending
the filtered interactive content stream to the media device via the
private television access network in response to the second
request.
15. A computer-readable storage device storing instructions that
are executable by a processor to perform operations comprising:
communicating with a media device via a private television access
network to receive a first request for an interactive content
stream; in response to the first request, requesting and receiving
the interactive content stream from a content provider via an
unsecured network, wherein the interactive content stream includes
a first interactive content element and a second interactive
content element; determining whether the first interactive content
element is to be delivered at a bandwidth that exceeds a threshold;
when the first interactive content element is to be delivered at
the bandwidth that exceeds the threshold, removing the first
interactive content element from the interactive content stream to
produce a filtered interactive content stream to be sent to the
media device via the private television access network, wherein the
filtered interactive content stream includes the second interactive
content element; storing data of the filtered interactive content
stream at a data store; communicating with the media device via the
private television access network to receive a second request for
the interactive content stream; and in response to the second
request: retrieving the stored data of the filtered interactive
content stream from the data store without accessing the unsecured
network; and sending the filtered interactive content stream to the
media device via the private television access network.
16. The computer-readable storage device of claim 15, wherein the
filtered interactive content stream is stored at an interactive
content mediation device.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates generally to providing interactive
content.
BACKGROUND
Providing interactive content, such as Internet-based content, can
present security risks for a network and associated devices.
Nonetheless, service providers typically cannot suspend network
functions to periodically update software at the network level or
at the user level with security patches, for example. Firewalls add
some security, but the interactive content received via a firewall
is typically not combined with other types of content from other
sources. Hence, there is a need for an improved system and method
of providing interactive content.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment
of a system to provide interactive content;
FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of
a method of providing interactive content;
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a second particular illustrative
embodiment of a method of providing interactive content;
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a third particular illustrative
embodiment of a method of providing interactive content; and
FIG. 5 is a diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a general
computer system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An interactive content mediation device is disclosed and includes a
processor and a memory device accessible to the processor. In a
particular embodiment, the memory device can include instructions
executable by the processor to communicate with a set-top box
device via a secure network to receive a request for interactive
content. Further, the memory device can include instructions to
request and receive the interactive content from at least one
content provider via an unsecured network. In addition, the memory
device can include instructions to send the interactive content to
the set-top box device after removing at least one unapproved
element from the interactive content.
In a particular embodiment, a method of providing interactive
content is disclosed and includes receiving a request for
interactive content at a mediation device, the request sent from a
set-top box device via a secure network. The method also includes
receiving the interactive content at the mediation device from at
least one content provider via an unsecured network. The method
also includes removing at least one unapproved element from the
interactive content and sending the interactive content to the
set-top box device via a video head-end.
In another particular embodiment, a method of receiving interactive
content is disclosed and includes sending a request for interactive
content from a set-top box device to a mediation device via a
secure network, where the interactive content is provided by at
least one content provider via an unsecured network. The method
also includes receiving the interactive content from the mediation
device via a video head-end after the mediation device has removed
at least one unapproved element from the interactive content.
In another particular embodiment, a computer-readable medium is
disclosed and includes instructions executable by a processor to
communicate with a set-top box device via a secure network to
receive a request for interactive content. The computer-readable
medium also includes instructions to request and receive the
interactive content from at least one content provider via an
unsecured network. The computer-readable medium also includes
instructions to determine whether the interactive content includes
at least one unapproved element.
Referring to FIG. 1, a particular illustrative embodiment of a
system to provide interactive content is illustrated and designated
generally at 100. The system 100 includes a set-top box device 102
that communicates with a video head-end 128, via a secure network
126. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the set-top box
device 102 can be coupled to a customer premise equipment (CPE)
device 124, such as a residential gateway (RG) device, digital
subscriber line (xDSL) modem, other router or switch, or any
combination thereof, that facilitates communication between the
set-top box device 102 and the secure network 126. In a particular
embodiment, the secure network 126 can be a private cable or
Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) access network that serves a
neighborhood, metropolitan area, state, nation, other geographic
region, other market region, subscriber group, or any combination
thereof.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the video head-end 128 can communicate
with a video distribution network 130 to receive video content from
a super video head-end, for example. In an illustrative embodiment,
the video head-end can communicate with an IPTV video distribution
network, to receive video content, voice communication content,
audio content, secure data content, or any combination thereof.
In a particular embodiment, the system 100 can include a mediation
device 132 that communicates with an unsecured network 146 to
request and receive interactive content from one or more content
providers 148. In an illustrative embodiment, the mediation device
132 can include a perimeter device, edge device, other interface,
or any combination thereof, coupled to the video head-end 128. In
an exemplary embodiment, the mediation device 132 can communicate
with the unsecured network 146 via a firewall 144. The unsecured
network 146 can include, for instance, the Internet, an unsecured
network accessible via the Internet, a network designated as
unsecured by a user or administrator, or any combination
thereof.
In a particular embodiment, the set-top box device 102 can include
a processor 104 and a memory device 106 accessible to the processor
104. Further, the set-top box device 102 can communicate with the
CPE device 124 via a network interface 108 coupled to the processor
104. In addition, the set-top box device 102 can communicate with a
display device 112 via a display interface 110 coupled to the
processor 104. Moreover, the set-top box device 102 can communicate
with a remote control device 116 via a remote interface 114 coupled
to the processor 104.
In a particular embodiment, the memory device 106 can include a
video content control and buffer module 118 that is executable by
the processor 104 to send requests for video content to the video
head-end 128, for example, in response to a channel selection. In
addition, the video content control and buffer module 118 can be
executable by the processor 104 to receive video content via the
video head-end 128, for instance, from an IPTV system communicating
with the video head-end 128 via the video distribution network 130.
In an illustrative embodiment, the video content control and buffer
module 118 can be executable by the processor 104 to receive data
packets carrying the video content and to buffer the data packets
to prevent underflow to the display device 112.
In a particular embodiment, the memory device 106 can include an
interactive content request module 120 that is executable by the
processor 104 to communicate with the mediation device 132 via the
secure network 126. The interactive content request module 120 can
be executable by the processor 104 to send a request for
interactive content, such as Internet-based content, to the
mediation device 132. For example, the set-top box device 102 can
receive a command to display the interactive content via the remote
control device 116 and send a request for the interactive content
to the mediation device 132 over the secure network 126 via the
video head-end 128.
In a particular embodiment, the memory device 106 can include an
interactive content display module 122 that is executable by the
processor 104 to receive interactive content via the secure network
126 and to send the interactive content to the display device 112.
In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the interactive
content display module 122 can be executable by the processor 104
to send the interactive content to the video content control and
buffer module 118 to be displayed in conjunction with video
content, for example, as an L-bar or otherwise overlaying or
bordering the video content.
In an illustrative embodiment, one or more of the various modules
118-122 can include hardware logic, software logic, or any
combination thereof, adapted to provide various functions of the
set-top box device 102. For example, one or more of the modules
118-122 can include computer instructions that are executable by
the processor 104, where the instructions are stored as one or more
computer programs at the memory device 106.
In a particular embodiment, the mediation device 132 can include a
processor 134. Further, the mediation device 132 can include a
set-top box communication module 136 that is executable by the
processor 134 to receive a request for interactive content from the
set-top box device 102 via the secure network 126. In addition, the
set-top box communication module 136 can be executable by the
processor 134 to send interactive content received from one or more
content providers, such as the content provider(s) 148, to the
set-top box device 102.
In a particular embodiment, the mediation device 132 can include an
interactive content module 138 that is executable by the processor
134 to retrieve interactive content from the content provider(s)
148 via the unsecured network 146 in response to a request from the
set-top box device 102. Further, the mediation device 132 can
include an element removal module 140 that is executable by the
processor 134 to determine whether interactive content retrieved
via the unsecured network 146 includes one or more unapproved
elements and to remove any unapproved element(s) from the
interactive content before sending the interactive content to the
set-top box device 102. Unapproved elements can include, for
example, a particular protocol; a particular type of code, such as
Java code; a script; a particular type of session; a particular
type of content stream; a virus; a worm; a data error; unauthorized
content, such as a particular type of content (e.g., adult content
or violent content), content from a particular source (e.g., a
particular website), or content that requires a bandwidth that
exceeds a threshold; or any combination thereof.
In a particular embodiment, the mediation device 132 can include a
frequent content module 142 that is executable by the processor 134
to receive data from the set-top box device 102 indicating that
particular interactive content is frequently used content, favorite
content, or any combination thereof. Further, the frequent content
module 142 can be executable by the processor 134 to store the
particular interactive content, or send the particular interactive
content to a data store for storage, after any unapproved
element(s) have been removed. In addition, the frequent content
module 142 can be executable by the processor 134 to determine
whether interactive content requested by the set-top box device 102
is stored at the mediation device 132, or at a data store
communicating with the mediation device 132. If the requested
interactive content is stored at the mediation device 132, or at a
data store communicating with the mediation device 132, the
frequent content module 142 can be executable by the processor 134
to retrieve the requested interactive content and send the
interactive content to the set-top box device 102 without
communicating with the content provider(s) 148. In another
embodiment, the frequent content module 142 can be executable by
the processor 134 to retrieve the requested interactive content and
send the interactive content to the set-top box device 102 after
communicating with the content provider(s) to check for
updates.
In an illustrative embodiment, one or more of the various modules
136-142 can include hardware logic, software logic, or any
combination thereof, adapted to provide various functions of the
mediation device 132. For example, one or more of the modules
136-142 can include computer instructions that are executable by
the processor 134, where the instructions are stored as one or more
computer programs at a memory of the mediation device 132.
In a particular illustrative embodiment, a user can issue a command
to the set-top box device 102 to display interactive content at the
display device 112. For example, a user can select a programmable
smart key or other key on the remote control device 116, use the
remote control device 116 to select a graphical menu item, or any
combination thereof, to display interactive content from an
e-commerce website, a dating website, or other website, at the
display device 112. The set-top box device 102 can receive the
command and send a request for the interactive content to the
mediation device 132 via the secure network 126. In one embodiment,
the set-top box device 102 can send the request to the video
head-end 128, and the video head-end 128 can communicate the
request to the mediation device 132.
In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the mediation device
132 can determine whether the interactive content is stored at the
mediation device 132, or at a data store communicating with the
mediation device 132. For example, the mediation device 132 can
determine whether the interactive content is frequently used
content associated with the set-top box device 102. In an
illustrative embodiment, the interactive content can be selected
from a favorites menu displayed at the display device 112, and the
set-top box device 102 can indicate such selection with its request
for the interactive content.
If the requested interactive content is stored at the mediation
device 132 or at a data store communicating with the mediation
device 132, the mediation device 132 can retrieve the requested
interactive content from storage and send it to the set-top box
device 102 via the secure network 126. On the other hand, if the
requested interactive content is not stored at the mediation device
132, or at a data store communicating with the mediation device
132, the mediation device 132 can request the interactive content
from one or more of the content provider(s) 148 via the unsecured
network 146.
In a particular embodiment, the mediation device 132 can receive
the requested interactive content from one or more of the content
provider(s) 148 via the unsecured network 146. The mediation device
132 can determine whether the interactive content includes one or
more unapproved elements. If the interactive content includes any
unapproved element(s), the mediation device 132 removes the
unapproved element(s) and sends the interactive content to the
set-top box device 102 via the secure network 126. In an
illustrative embodiment, the mediation device 132 can send the
interactive content to the video head-end 128, and the video
head-end 128 can send the interactive content to the set-top box
device 102. The video head-end 128 can also send video content,
other content, or any combination thereof, received at the video
head-end 128 via the IPTV video distribution network 130, to the
set-top box device 102. In an illustrative, non-limiting
embodiment, the video head-end 128 can merge the interactive
content with video content, e.g., into single stream.
In an illustrative embodiment, the set-top box device 102 can
receive the interactive content and send it to the display device
112 for display in conjunction with, or without, video content.
Further, a user can issue a command to the set-top box device 102,
by selecting a menu option or other indicator, to designate the
interactive content as frequently used content, favorite content,
or any combination thereof. The set-top box device 102 can send
data indicating the selection to the mediation device 132, and the
mediation device 132 can associate the interactive content with the
set-top box device 102 and store the interactive content locally or
at a data store communicating with the mediation device 132.
Referring to FIG. 2, a particular illustrative embodiment of a
method of providing interactive content is illustrated. At block
200, a mediation device can receive a request for interactive
content from a set-top box device. In an illustrative embodiment,
the mediation device can receive the request from the set-top box
device over a secure network via a video head-end.
Moving to decision node 202, in an illustrative, non-limiting
embodiment, the mediation device can determine whether the
requested interactive content is stored at the mediation device, a
data store communicating with the mediation device, the video
head-end, or any combination thereof. If the mediation device
determines that the requested interactive content is stored, the
method proceeds to block 204, and the mediation device retrieves
the requested interactive content from storage. The method advances
to block 214.
Returning to decision step 202, if the mediation device determines
that the requested interactive content is not stored, the method
proceeds to block 206, and the mediation device requests the
interactive content from one or more content providers via an
unsecured network, such as the Internet. Continuing to block 208,
the mediation device receives the interactive content from the
content provider(s) via the unsecured network.
Proceeding to decision node 210, the mediation device determines
whether the interactive content received from the content
provider(s) includes one or more unapproved elements. For instance,
the mediation device can examine the interactive content to
determine whether it includes one or more elements included in a
group of unapproved elements defined at the mediation device. If
the interactive content includes no unapproved element(s), the
method moves to block 214. Whereas, if the interactive content
includes one or more unapproved elements, the method advances to
block 212, and the mediation device filters or otherwise removes
the unapproved elements from the interactive content. For example,
the mediation device can remove one or more codes, scripts, corrupt
data, unauthorized content, other unapproved elements, or any
combination thereof, from the interactive content. The method
proceeds to block 214.
At block 214, in an illustrative embodiment, the mediation device
sends the interactive content to the set-top box device via the
secure network after any unapproved element(s) are removed. In an
illustrative embodiment, the mediation device can send the
interactive content to the video head-end, and the video head-end
can send the interactive content to the set-top box device. In a
particular embodiment, the video head-end can send the interactive
content and video content received from an IPTV system to the
set-top box device.
Continuing to decision node 216, the mediation device can determine
whether it receives data indicating that the interactive content is
frequently used content, favorite content, or any combination
thereof. For example, the mediation device can receive data from
the set-top box device indicating that the interactive content is
frequently used content, favorite content, has been added to a
favorites list or similar list at the set-top box device, or any
combination thereof. If the mediation device determines that it has
received such data, the method proceeds to block 218, and the
mediation device can store the interactive content locally, at a
data store communicating with the mediation device, at the video
head-end, or any combination thereof. In an alternative embodiment,
the interactive content can be stored at a memory device of the
set-top box device. The method terminates at 220.
Referring to FIG. 3, a second particular illustrative embodiment of
a method of providing interactive content is illustrated. At block
300, a set-top box device receives a command to display interactive
content. For example, the set-top box device can receive such a
command via a remote control device communicating with the set-top
box device. Moving to block 302, the set-top box device sends a
request for the interactive content to a mediation device via a
secure network.
Proceeding to block 304, the set-top box device receives the
requested interactive content with any unapproved element(s)
removed by the mediation device. Continuing to block 306, the
set-top box device sends the interactive content to a display
device coupled to the set-top box device. In a particular
embodiment, the interactive content can be displayed at the display
device overlaying video content, bordering video content, in a
split-screen with video content, otherwise in conjunction with
video content, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, the
interactive content can be displayed without video content at the
display device.
Proceeding to decision node 308, the set-top box device can
determine whether it receives a selection indicating that the
interactive content should be designated as frequently used
content, favorite content, or any combination thereof. For example,
a user can issue a command to the set-top box device indicating
that the interactive content should be added to a favorites list or
similar list at the set-top box device, at the mediation device, at
the video head-end, or any combination thereof. If the set-top box
device determines that it has received such a selection, the method
moves to block 310, and the set-top box device can send data to the
mediation device, video head-end, or any combination thereof,
indicating that the interactive content should be stored at the
mediation device, at a data store communicating with the mediation
device, at the video head-end, or any combination thereof. In an
alternative embodiment, the interactive content can be stored at a
memory device of the set-top box device. The method terminates at
312.
Referring to FIG. 4, a third particular illustrative embodiment of
a method of providing interactive content is illustrated. At block
400, a video head-end (VHE) can receive a request for interactive
content from a set-top box device. In an illustrative embodiment,
the VHE can receive the request from the set-top box device over a
secure network. The VHE can include, for instance, one or more
facilities, devices, or any combination thereof, from which video,
voice communications, data, or any combination thereof, can be sent
to a user via a secure network.
Moving to block 402, the VHE sends the request to a mediation
device. Continuing to block 404, in a particular embodiment, the
VHE receives the interactive content from the mediation device with
any unapproved element(s) removed by the mediation device. In an
illustrative embodiment, the mediation device can request the
interactive content from one or more content providers via an
unsecured network, such as the Internet, and remove any unapproved
element(s) of the interactive content.
Proceeding to decision node 406, in a particular embodiment, the
VHE can determine whether the set-top box device is receiving, or
has requested, video content from an IPTV system via the VHE. If
the set-top box device is receiving, or has requested, video
content, the method advances to block 408, and the VHE sends the
video content and the interactive content to the set-top box
device. The method then advances to decision node 412. In an
illustrative embodiment, the VHE can merge the interactive content
and video content into a single stream of data packets, for
example. In another embodiment, the VHE can send the video content
and interactive content to the set-top box device as separate
streams, signals, or any combination thereof.
Returning to decision node 406, if the set-top box device is not
receiving, and has not requested, video content, the method moves
to block 410, and the VHE sends the interactive content to the
set-top box device. Continuing to decision node 412, the VHE can
determine whether it receives data indicating that the interactive
content is frequently used content, favorite content, or any
combination thereof. If the VHE determines that it has received
such data, the method proceeds to block 414, and the VHE can store
the interactive content locally, at a data store communicating with
the VHE, at the mediation device, at a data store communicating
with the mediation device, or any combination thereof. In an
alternative embodiment, the interactive content can be stored at a
memory device of the set-top box device. The method terminates at
416.
In a particular embodiment, the steps of the methods described
herein can be executed in the order shown by the figures. In
alternative embodiments, some steps can be executed simultaneously
or in alternative sequences.
In conjunction with the configuration of structure described
herein, the system and method disclosed provides interactive
content to a set-top box device, with or without video content,
after removing harmful or otherwise unapproved elements of the
interactive content. In a particular illustrative embodiment, a
user can issue a command to a set-top box device to display
interactive content at a display device. The set-top box device can
send a request for the interactive content to a mediation device
via a secure network.
The mediation device can request and receive the interactive
content from one or more content provider(s) via an unsecured
network. The mediation device can determine whether the interactive
content includes one or more unapproved elements. If the
interactive content includes any unapproved element(s), the
mediation device removes the unapproved element(s) and sends the
interactive content to the set-top box device via the secure
network. In an illustrative embodiment, the set-top box device can
receive the interactive content and send it to the display device
for display in conjunction with, or without, video content.
Referring to FIG. 5, an illustrative embodiment of a general
computer system is shown and is designated 500. The computer system
500 can include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause
the computer system 500 to perform any one or more of the methods
or computer based functions disclosed herein. The computer system
500, or any portion thereof, may operate as a standalone device or
may be connected, e.g., using a network, to other computer systems
or peripheral devices, including a server or other system at a
video head-end, a set-top box device, a mediation device, or any
combination thereof, as shown in FIG. 1.
In a networked deployment, the computer system may operate in the
capacity of a server or other system at a video head-end, a set-top
box device, or a mediation device. The computer system 500 can also
be implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a
personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a
personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop
computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a communications
device, a wireless telephone, a land-line telephone, a control
system, a camera, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a printer, a
pager, a personal trusted device, a web appliance, a network
router, switch or bridge, or any other machine capable of executing
a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify
actions to be taken by that machine. In a particular embodiment,
the computer system 500 can be implemented using electronic devices
that provide voice, video or data communication. Further, while a
single computer system 500 is illustrated, the term "system" shall
also be taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems
that individually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of
instructions to perform one or more computer functions.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the computer system 500 may include a
processor 502, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a
graphics-processing unit (GPU), or both. Moreover, the computer
system 500 can include a main memory 504 and a static memory 506
that can communicate with each other via a bus 508. As shown, the
computer system 500 may further include a video display unit 510,
such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting
diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, or a
cathode ray tube (CRT). Additionally, the computer system 500 may
include an input device 512, such as a keyboard, and a cursor
control device 514, such as a mouse. The computer system 500 can
also include a disk drive unit 516, a signal generation device 518,
such as a speaker or remote control, and a network interface device
520.
In a particular embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 5, the disk drive
unit 516 may include a computer-readable medium 522 in which one or
more sets of instructions 524, e.g. software, can be embedded.
Further, the instructions 524 may embody one or more of the methods
or logic as described herein. In a particular embodiment, the
instructions 524 may reside completely, or at least partially,
within the main memory 504, the static memory 506, and/or within
the processor 502 during execution by the computer system 500. The
main memory 504 and the processor 502 also may include
computer-readable media.
In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations,
such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable
logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to
implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications
that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments
can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems.
One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions
using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or
devices with related control and data signals that can be
communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an
application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present
system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware
implementations.
In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure,
the methods described herein may be implemented by software
programs executable by a computer system. Further, in an exemplary,
non-limited embodiment, implementations can include distributed
processing, component/object distributed processing, and parallel
processing. Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can
be constructed to implement one or more of the methods or
functionality as described herein.
The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium that
includes instructions 524 or receives and executes instructions 524
responsive to a propagated signal, so that a device connected to a
network 526 can communicate voice, video or data over the network
526. Further, the instructions 524 may be transmitted or received
over the network 526 via the network interface device 520.
While the computer-readable medium is shown to be a single medium,
the term "computer-readable medium" includes a single medium or
multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database,
and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of
instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" shall also
include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying
a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a
computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or
operations disclosed herein.
In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the
computer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as a
memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile
read-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be a
random access memory or other volatile re-writable memory.
Additionally, the computer-readable medium can include a
magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes or other
storage device to capture carrier wave signals such as a signal
communicated over a transmission medium. A digital file attachment
to an e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of
archives may be considered a distribution medium that is equivalent
to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is
considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium
or a distribution medium and other equivalents and successor media,
in which data or instructions may be stored.
In accordance with various embodiments, the methods described
herein may be implemented as one or more software programs running
on a computer processor. Dedicated hardware implementations
including, but not limited to, application specific integrated
circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices can
likewise be constructed to implement the methods described herein.
Furthermore, alternative software implementations including, but
not limited to, distributed processing or component/object
distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine
processing can also be constructed to implement the methods
described herein.
It should also be noted that software that implements the disclosed
methods may optionally be stored on a tangible storage medium, such
as: a magnetic medium, such as a disk or tape; a magneto-optical or
optical medium, such as a disk; or a solid state medium, such as a
memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only
(non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other
re-writable (volatile) memories. The software may also utilize a
signal containing computer instructions. A digital file attachment
to e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of
archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a
tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered
to include a tangible storage medium or distribution medium as
listed herein, and other equivalents and successor media, in which
the software implementations herein may be stored.
Although the present specification describes components and
functions that may be implemented in particular embodiments with
reference to particular standards and protocols, the invention is
not limited to such standards and protocols. For example, standards
for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g.,
TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of the state of the
art. Such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more
efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions.
Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same or
similar functions as those disclosed herein are considered
equivalents thereof.
The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended
to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various
embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a
complete description of all of the elements and features of
apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods
described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those
of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other
embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such
that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally,
the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn
to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be
exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly,
the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative
rather than restrictive.
One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to
herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term "invention"
merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit
the scope of this application to any particular invention or
inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have
been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated
that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or
similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments
shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent
adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of
the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically
described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art
upon reviewing the description.
The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.
.sctn.1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will
not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the
claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various
features may be grouped together or described in a single
embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This
disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that
the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly
recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,
inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the
features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following
claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each
claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject
matter.
The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered
illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are
intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other
embodiments, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
present invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the
scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest
permissible interpretation of the following claims and their
equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the
foregoing detailed description.
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